Quito, April 28 (RHC)-- Deadly floods are affecting Ecuador and Uruguay as both countries are suffering from the El Niño weather phenomenon.  Natural disasters continue to take their toll on Ecuador after two rivers overflowed, claiming the lives of four people Wednesday, the country’s National Secretary of Risk Management reports.

The Damas and Toachi rivers, located near the city of Santo Domingo, caused around 25 landslides in the area after torrential rainfall struck the region Tuesday.  The storm hit the town of Alluriquin, around 74 miles to the west of Quito.  Much of the area was engulfed by rapidly rising waters as roads were quickly flooded, hampering the rescue operation.

Around 80 homes were damaged by the mudslides while scores of cars and buses were unable to circulate after becoming submerged in mud along the Aloag Highway.  Over 300 people were affected by the rain in addition to the four who drowned.